We were lucky to catch up with Masego Dilotsotlhe recently and have shared our conversation below.
Masego, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
Thank you for having me.In 2022,I experienced a devastating loss that shook me to my core.In the moments that followed my friend Callan reached out to me. After I told him what had happened, he noticed my outlook and said “You’re so optimistic”.I answered, “Without optimism, I wouldn’t be here”.
My optimism comes from my gratitude.Despite the pain and shock of my loss, I remained thankful for the opportunity to pursue my dreams in Los Angeles, a city that I had longed to return to for two years.I am still living my dream today, and this fills me with a sense of hope and confidence in the future.
My mother and aunt were also incredible examples of optimism during my childhood.At the age of nine, I experienced the loss of five family members in a single year.Their strength and unwavering hope during this time inspired me to pick up the pieces and continue living.Through prayer and the reassurance that loved ones live on in our hearts,they encouraged me to maintain a positive outlook and embrace the good that life has to offer.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Sure.As a skilled linguist, I specialize in translating and transcribing dialogue and music for high profile TV, film, and media projects.I’ve been fortunate enough to work on some amazing productions such as Beyonce’s Black Is King,Creed 3, Black Widow, and The Lion King.I am looking forward to expanding my expertise by collaborating directly with TV and film studios and other media companies.
In addition to my linguistic work, I’m also a passionate songwriter. Collaborating with other artists and producers to create great songs is a magical experience. I love the process of developing original concepts and crafting smart, emotive lyrics that resonate well with listeners. When an artist takes one of my songs and elevates it beyond my expectations, it’s an exhilarating feeling.
Lastly, I host an inspirational show called “Sundays With Masego”. With four successful seasons under my belt, I’m proud to say that the show has been widely distributed across multiple social media platforms, including Instagram,YouTube and TikTok.The most rewarding aspect of hosting the show is the content creation process and the opportunity to encourage and inspire people with each new episode.The show also received beautiful messages of support from actress and best selling author Tabitha Brown.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three most impactful qualities for me in my journey were musical proficiency, technical abilities, and concise writing skills.I recommend learning an instrument, such as the piano or guitar, to have more creative freedom when writing songs.Mastering music production techniques will enhance the speed of your workflow, and make collaborations easier.Strong copywriting skills are also crucial in my linguistic work, especially when translating for TV and film with word limits.
For those just starting out, I suggest keeping an open mind and remaining curious. The entertainment industry is constantly evolving, so continuous learning is essential to stay relevant. Be willing to embrace new opportunities and adapt to change. My personal experience is a testament to how diverse interests, such as music and languages, can unexpectedly lead to a fulfilling career in linguistics.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Absolutely! My main objective is to connect with individuals or organizations who are in need of a linguist for their projects.I am fluent in multiple languages, including English, Zulu, Tswana, Xhosa, and Sotho, and am capable of translating between them seamlessly. I would also be thrilled to collaborate with artists and producers who are seeking high-quality songwriting services.These would make ideal collaborators and partners.I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to potentially embark on a fruitful partnership together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/masegosongs
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/masego
- Other: Email:dreamsbecoming@gmail.com
Image Credits
Image Credits: Kgosana Monchusi Elder Salazar Mihael Nad Victor Grant
